WINONA, Minn. – The Winona School Board voted 6-1 to proceed with dehumidification projects at two 1930s grade schools – even if the cost is far more than the budgeted $16 million for which the Board had lined up loans. In September the Board rejected a first round of bids, which were as much as $24 million. But now, having absorbed the sticker shock, the Board is willing to go back to lenders for money to cover the lowest bid in a new round of bids. Yes, perhaps even $24 million. The lone dissenter in the 6-1 vote was Steve Schild, who has opposed refitting the Jefferson and Washington-Kosciusko schools. The money, Schild argued, would be better spent to build a consolidated grade school rather than retrofit the 90-year-old Jefferson and Washington-Kosciusko.
Earlier: Board seeks options for school coolingi
Verbatim
Nancy Denzer, Board chair: We’re making some bold moves. But it’s time to do this. This wasn’t done lightly. It was done from some very thoughtful conversations, and with some evidence from people who have been working with us to show us what is possible in our buildings. We have six buildings in this district that we are committed to. We decided not to go down the path of something else.”
Verbatim
Steve Schild, Board member: “I have expressed my concern in the past about how much money we are spending on old buildings without the Board ever having discussed in any substantive detail any reconfiguration of our fleet of buildings to reflect the enrollment realities we face. I would feel very differently if we had at least gone through and considered some other options.”